Organisers slam race theft reports

THE organisers of the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon have assured paddlers that their safety will be guaranteed, after incidents of theft marred the 50 Miler one-day race at the weekend. Several participants were robbed by criminals operating in the Second Saddle area, just above the confluence of the uMsundusi and uMgeni rivers. FNB Dusi general manager Steve Botha slammed the incidents and reassured paddlers that the safety plan in place for the Dusi will ensure there is no repeat of these incidents when the race takes place in a month’s time. “It is deeply upsetting to learn of these incidents,” said Botha. “This is a small criminal element operating in an area that has been very supportive of paddling events for many years now. “It is a two-way relationship that has seen the paddling community invest heavily in the area, building school classrooms, crèches and clinics through the Valley Chiefs’ Fund. “The Dusi Canoe Marathon has an extremely good relationship with the chiefs down the Dusi valley and a number of meetings are convened where, among other things, safety of paddlers is discussed. The chiefs are also aware of the dates of the event.” Botha said he hoped that law-enforcement agencies would work tirelessly to identify the perpetrators and bring them to book. He added that the safety plan in place for the Dusi would deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate. “The Dusi committee also has extensive relationships with all departments of the SAPS and on Wednesday we will hold the Dusi Canoe Marathon safety-and-security meeting with the Pietermaritzburg SAPS, the Horse Mounted Unit, the Motorcycle Unit, the Air Wing Unit, Search and Rescue, the K9 Dog Unit, Durban metro police, the Durban Horse Mounted Unit and SA Navy personnel. “During the race the Dusi committee and all security service providers spend many hours reviewing and preparing at the end of each day. “On each day of the Dusi there is a command post situated at all overnight stops, manned by police services where all operations are managed. At 5pm every day of the Dusi all departments of the security services meet in the ops room at the stops and discuss any security incidents and final planning for the next day. “During the race 30 bikers patrol each day of the Dusi and move to points on the race route otherwise not accessible by vehicle. “There are two reputable security companies employed for the duration of Dusi to supply security at the overnight stops and the finish.” The marathon has two helicopters in the air at all times, for the Dusi Canoe Marathon security officer and medic and a second chopper carrying the race director. Entry details and more information can be found at www.dusi.co.za